New coop. What did i miss?

[ChickenCluckChick]

I am adding a ladder today. The coop is 8'x8' and has 16 ft. Of roosting space, 6 nest boxes, a storage area that can be made into nest boxes if needed in the future. It does have chicken wire but we have LGD (Great Pyrenees) that take care of predators. I have decided to not add a run as my current hens do not stray from the fenced area (I may have to due to the new chicks but we are going to watch and see). We have been letting the chicks run around under the coop during the build but they need more space so we are going to see how they do with the hens. The front 2 windows will be capable of closing once the temperature drops. I am just looking to see if I missed anything or need to add anything. Thanks guys.

 

[deidreg]

Looks good! You may consider creating one more vent for winter since the windows will be closed.

 

[ChickenCluckChick]

Looks good! You may consider creating one more vent for winter since the windows will be closed.

Thank you, I will add one to the back

 

[mowin]

Looks great.
How many chickens do you have? Rule of thumb is 1sqft of permanent ventilation for each bird.
Assuming you're not in a colder climate with a lot of snow. Roof looks flat?

 

[ChickenCluckChick]

Looks great.
How many chickens do you have? Rule of thumb is 1sqft of permanent ventilation for each bird.
Assuming you're not in a colder climate with a lot of snow. Roof looks flat?

We have 11 hens and 14 chicks (we will be rehoming half the chicks). The roof frame is also not completely sealed and has many 1ft gaps along the top frame for ventilation (not sure how to explain as I am not a carpenter...lol) I will get a pic and post it in a bit. The roof is flat, I am in the south and a lot of snow for us is an inch or two.

 

[mowin]

Ok, so the soffits are open. I'd definitely cover those with HC to keep the critters out.

 

[ChickenCluckChick]

I learned something new, thanks for the proper term. I will cover them with HC, do they count as ventilation also? .. thank you.

 

[mowin]

I learned something new, thanks for the proper term. I will cover them with HC, do they count as ventilation also?View attachment 2867987.. thank you.

It certainly does.

 

[Sally PB]

Not sure if I'm seeing it correctly... it looks like some openings and the stuff surrounding the coop is chicken wire...? That will keep chickens in, but not predators out. Any and every opening should be covered with hardware cloth.

And, open soffits are about the best you can have fore ventilation. Up high, wind/rain/snow stay out. Good job!

 

[Folly's place]

Your one dog will not be able to manage all predators 24/7, so chicken wire isn't actually adequate. Rats and weasel types will have no problem getting in, at least! And raccoons will be very happy to get your birds too.
And more ventilation will be very helpful, as already mentioned.